Newtownabbey Indian restaurant providing a lifeline for vulnerable families

Management at the family-run eatery, The Spice Merchant, issued a heartfelt appeal on social media urging anyone who is struggling during the emergency to contact the Shore Road venue.

The post read: “If anyone in Newtownabbey is not working/not getting a pay cheque and runs out of food or necessities or times are just tough, please don’t let yourself or your kids go to bed with an empty stomach.

“Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to send me a private message. The Spice Merchant will be more than happy to help as much as we are able to. Just send me your address and a small message such as ‘Dinner for four people’ or ‘No stationery for kids.’

“The Spice Merchant will drop and go. No one has to know and we will forget it ever happened.”

The post from September 24 has been shared thousands of times since and has helped to get food to those in need across Newtownabbey.

Speaking to this newspaper, Sachin Bhatt, a member of the restaurant’s management team, said: “The Covid situation is really bad in India at present. Some of our relatives have been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

“There is not a lot of support available in India for those affected. We have sent money over, but can’t do much more due to restrictions.

“The situation is getting worse in Northern Ireland. I can’t help the people in India, but I can try to help the people in Newtownabbey.

“Since posting on our Facebook page last month, I have received some horrifying stories about families not having enough food- it made me cry.

“We’ve been able to provide food for over 100 people. We can’t deliver everywhere, but can arrange for collections.”

Sachin added: “My family have all been working hard to support the effort and we have received a lot of support and kind words from the local community.

“People have offered to send other items such as stationery to the restaurant. We have been able to send these goods out with our delivery drivers and it has meant that children are not going without these goods for school.

“We welcome these donations and if anyone wishes to donate similar items, please contact The Spice Merchant.

“We have received many messages from those in need and it feels good to be able to support the community.

“I would, however, ask that people take this seriously as we have had people who maybe are not struggling, attempting to get free meals from us. This service is for people who are in need and are facing going to bed hungry.

“If you need our support, please contact The Spice Merchant Facebook page between 4.30pm and 9pm.”

Volunteers from across Newtownabbey have been supporting vulnerable residents throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more on this, read here

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